Welcome to Togo – The Thin Sliver of West Africa!

Meaningful Volunteer Work in Togo, inspiring Volunteering in Togo, exceptional Volunteer Opportunities in Togo, life-changing Volunteer Placements in Togo, special Volunteer Projects in Togo, incredible Volunteer Programs in Togo, unforgettable Gap year in Togo, unique Summer vacations in Togo and affordable memorable tours and vacations in Togo- the answer is always GVA.

Go Volunteer Africa allows you to give back to communities in Togo while exploring the amazing diversity and rich cultural history of this small beautiful country in Africa. Whether you are interested in teaching volunteer work, childcare volunteer work, conservation volunteer work, construction volunteer work, healthcare volunteer work or sports coaching volunteer work, Go Volunteer Africa has volunteer work in Togo that is suitable for you.

Go Volunteer Africa provides safe, affordable and meaningful volunteer placements in Togo. Volunteering in Togo with Go Volunteer Africa is a fantastic way for travelers to be able to give back to communities in need. Over 20 volunteers start on our volunteer program in Togo every month, working on an incredible range of social, economical and educational projects. Go Volunteer Africa programs are the perfect way to meet new people, immerse yourself in new cultures and make a difference in deserving communities in Africa.

INTRODUCTION TO TOGO

Togo, officially the Togolese Republic (French: République Togolaise), is a sovereign state in West Africa bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. It extends south to the Gulf of Guinea, where its capital Lomé is located.

Togo is one of the smallest countries in Africa, with a population of approximately 7.6 million. Togo is known for its palm-lined beaches and hilltop villages. Togo is a tropical, sub-Saharan nation, whose economy depends highly on agriculture, with a climate that provides good growing seasons.

INTERESTING QUICK FACTS ABOUT TOGO:

Togolese carry everything on their heads – one banana, a fully-assembled ceiling fan, up to 300 eggs, firewood, a big basket of chickens, or a 5- gallon pan of water.

You are expected to bargain for everything you purchase at market. You should offer about one-half of the first price quoted by the vendor.

Worn-out tires are recycled into sandals, toys or fuel for smoking meat (love that burnt-rubber flavor!

Togo is the world’s 4th largest producer of phosphate.

The green stripes in Togo’s flag symbolise hope and agriculture.

Greetings include a handshake and verbal “Hello” in French (Bonjour), Ewe (Woezo-lo!), Kabiye (Alafia-we) or another tribal language.

If someone older than you is carrying heavy stuff, as a sign of respect you should take it from them immediately. Don’t leave them carrying it.

Fufu is a traditional food item of Togo is made from yam. The yam is first boiled and mashed to be made into dough. Dips and sauces of various flavors are used as side dish with fufu.

Togo culture is highlighted by its prominent festivals, out of which Evala is the traditional fighting festival that last for 10 days at a stretch. This festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp and joy by the native people and it showcases the ancestry of Togo culture.

Togo's culture reflects the influences of its many ethnic groups, the largest and most influential of which are the Ewe, Mina, Tem, Tchamba and Kabre. Despite the influences of Christianity and Islam, over half of the people of Togo follow native animistic practices and beliefs.

While the official language is French, many other languages are spoken in Togo, particularly those of the Gbe family. Togo uses the the West African CFA franc and is the currency of eight independent states in West Africa including: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

TOURISM IN TOGO

If you prefer the road less traveled, Go Volunteer Africa has a perfect destination for you: Togo! Even though Togo it’s exceptionally beautiful, and the people here are super friendly –it’s not part of the tourist circuit like it neighboring Ghana.

And that’s precisely what makes it ideal for those who prefer to explore places off the beaten track! Its great diversity of landscapes ranges from lakes and palm-fringed beaches along the Atlantic coastline to the rolling forested hills in the centre; heading further north, the mantle of lush forest is replaced by the light-green and yellowy tinges of savannah.

Togo is probably one of the nicest places in Western Africa. Roads are pretty good, distances small, beaches sandy and white, people friendly, hills and mountains waiting to be explored. The capital city, Lomé is an excellent place to start your trip. Lots of daytrips are arranged by Go Volunteer Africa.

Togo is an excellent playground for hikers – there's no better ecofriendly way to experience the country's savage beauty than on foot. Kpalime (Go Volunteer Africa’s base of operation) is a beautiful hilly area perfect for trekking and hiking. In Togo,you will fall in love with colors, sights, sounds, and tastes. Though it is one of the smallest countries in Africa, Togo is proof that small is better.

GO VOLUNTEER TOGO

Go Volunteer Africa the leading volunteer and travel organization in Africa, offers volunteer work, gapyear, cross-culture exchange, humanitarian aid and rural-development projects in Togo. The volunteering opportunities in Togo offered are affordable and each provide a very meaningful and life-changing experience.

Go Volunteer Africa placements in Togo are combined with superb tours and vacation adventures. Togo is an ideal destination for anyone looking for somewhere to volunteer in Africa for a short or long stay. Go Volunteer Africa volunteer projects in Togo are perfect if you want to do something more than sightseeing and would like to see more than the average tourist.

VOLUNTEERING IN TOGO QUICK FACTS

The program is open all year-round

Very flexible start and end dates (arrive any day of the month)

Over 6 oustanding sustainable project options

Projects are based across the country with major location being Kpalimé

We are the most affordable organization in Africa, because we are the locals!

As a volunteer with Go Volunteer Africaa, you will get to integrate into local society, sample the tasty food, experience the vibrant culture and also make a difference. There are summer and year round programs available where you can help people and the environment. Volunteering in Togo and helping people is a highly rewarding experience and there are also lots of cultural and sightseing activities you will get to do in your spare time.

EXTRAS & SUPPORT

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian. All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to Go Volunteer Africa's local Coordinators on arrival in the country.

SAFARIS & TOURS

Day and cultural tours can be organized over the weekends for volunteers. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Togo's white sandy beaches. There is a lot to see and do in Togo.

SUPPORT

BEFORE YOU GO

IN-COUNTRY

§ Pre-departure support & documentation

§ Travel & medical advice & documentation

§ Advice on visas & equipment advice

§ Project orientation

§ Accommodation

§ 3 meals a day

§ Airport pickup

§ In-country emergency support

§ 24-hour HQ backup

§ Free GVA t-shirt

TOGO VOLUNTEER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Immerse yourself in rural, slum, semi-urban & engaging community

Promote sustainable community livelihoods

Improve the living standards of local people

Make friends for life

Transport:

Airport pickup

Accommodation:

Volunteer Guest house/ Host Family

LEGAL STATEMENT

Go Volunteer Africa programs are run in partnership with in-country NGOs, small community based organizations, local research institutes, academic organizations and conservation agencies. Project descriptions and information are supplied directly by our partners or field staff and are accurate at time of publishing.

We aim to keep information up to date and accurate, however, the nature of our projects and programs and in particular the fact that they are constantly evolving and developing in response to changing needs means that project activities, travel schedules, tour itineraries and daily timetables can change overnight and without notice.